Foam core. The body of an old toy car. A piece of light, durable wood, like balsa wood.
Lighten your car as much as possible. If using a solid chassis, this might include drilling holes in its frame and wheels. Use wheels that are both thin and stiff. Decrease air resistance by making the front of your car small and sleek. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source
Compass (for drawing circles) Duct tape Durable string Elastic bands/rubber bands Eye hooks (4) Heavy cardboard or foam core Mousetrap Pliers Ruler Thin dowels (2) Utility knife
Use your utility knife to cut your wheels free. Attach rubber bands around the outside edge of the wheel to give the wheels additional traction. You might also use CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records to make your wheels. [4] X Research source NOTE: In this example, larger back wheels and smaller forward wheels are used.
Balsa or basswood make a light but more durable body for the car. [7] X Research source
While taping your trap into place you should avoid taping the spring. The spring should be found in the middle of the trap and snapper arm.
Use your ruler and a pencil to mark the location of your eye hooks in the four corners of your chassis. Double check the marks are evenly lined up with your ruler. Screw the eye hooks into place through the cardboard chassis where you have marked.
Eye hooks that are too thick or skewers that are too thin will cause the axle rod to pivot in its eye hook holder, which could affect the alignment of your car.
Wind a rubber band onto your axle so that it is close to the body, but not touching it. This will form a buffer between your wheel and the chassis of your car, but can create friction if it comes in contact with your chassis. Push your wheels onto the axle rods. If you have larger drive wheels, these should go on the rear axle and the smaller wheels on the front axle. Your axle dowels should extend past your wheel about 1" (2. 5 cm).
A general knot, like a square knot should work fine for attaching your string to the arm of your trap.
Use your free hand to wrap the string tightly around the car’s rear axle. Continue winding until no string remains. The string should be tight enough to hold down the snap-arm when held.
